The Hot Dog Race at Rosena Ranch

This race was the debut of the Ritte Women’s Team skinsuits. They are fluoro and have magical powers that lie deep within the chamois. My teammate Kelli and I warmed up on the trainer to Aviici, and now I have just given away my biggest race secret.

Rosena Ranch has a great course. Its hot dog shape is simple, but the terrain varies just enough to give plenty of opportunities to make moves. The Womens ¾ field had 31 starters. The race started out mellow, and then it was non-stop attacks for the 2nd and 3rd laps. Two riders got away- Erin Gunn of Catalyst Racing and Kate Wilson of NOW. We had our doubts that it would stick. But there came that moment when you realize that it will stick. And you go “Ohhhhhh Sh*t man”. Decision time. Should I stay or should I go? I choose to go.

Michelle Ignash of Helen’s Cycles and I made an effort to chase down the break. She caught them and I lagged behind a little, thinking they would soon be engulfed by the field. When it appeared that the break would still stick, I made a solo effort to bridge up to them. Once I made contact with them, we drilled 4 strong, taking short intense pulls for the last 2 laps.

I was pulling in the break as we were coming closer to the finish line. I’m thinking “none of these girls are going to take a pull now, we are too close to the end.” So as soon as we approached the light before the last climb to the finish, I attacked the break. Kate Wilson was close behind me and I managed to maintain power to pull us to the approaching finish line, and to outsprint Kate for the win in the last 50m.

I finished with a stream of Powerbar Gel dripping down my leg from the opened packet tucked into my skinsuit. I like the Hot Dog Race. And I like racing my bicycle with these cool women.